It’s no secret that home values have been on the rise in recent years. In fact, according to a report by Zillow, the median U.S. home value has increased by more than $50,000 since 2012. And while many factors contribute to this trend – from population growth to low-interest rates – one of the most important is undoubtedly homeowners’ willingness and ability to invest in their homes.
That’s why we’ve tried to put together this list of ten easy home fixes that can significantly improve your home value. From stuff like painting your walls to installing a new roof, these projects are simple enough for any homeowner to complete – and they’ll all pay off big when it comes time to sell. So read on for some of our hand-picked tips and tricks, and start making your house a true dream home.
1. Improve home health standard
One of the probably most important things you can do to improve your home’s value is to ensure its safety and security. This means ensuring that all systems and appliances are up to date and in good working order and taking steps to protect your home from fire, flood, and other natural disasters.
Test your home for radon and take steps to mitigate it if necessary. Radon is an invisible, naturally occurring gas found in homes all over the United States and has been linked to lung cancer. Fortunately, there are now many different ways to test radon, and it is relatively simple to mitigate if it is in your home.
You should also regularly check for pests and infestations and address any problems immediately. By taking these measures, you’ll increase your home’s value and make it a more comfortable and enjoyable place to live.
2. Make energy-efficiency upgrades
In today’s market, most buyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient homes. And while there are many ways to make your home more energy-efficient – from insulating your walls to installing energy-saving appliances – one of the simplest and most effective is to upgrade your windows.
You can significantly reduce energy costs by replacing your old, inefficient windows with new, double-paned models while making your old home more comfortable and attractive. What’s more, you’ll recoup a large portion of the cost of these upgrades when you sell your home – making them an excellent investment for any homeowner.
3. Give Your Home a Fresh Coat of Paint
A nice-looking fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest and easiest ways to increase your home value. And while neutral colors are always a safe bet, don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder hues that reflect your personality. Just remember to keep the paint job neat and tidy – an amateurish paint job will do more harm than good. Painting your home and any of these home improvements can be quite expensive though. This is when you may want to consider looking at the best home improvement loans. Home improvement financing can be for any amount but usually range somewhere between $5000 and $100,000, depending on the amount of work the homeowner wants to be done. Once obtained, the loan funds can be used to pay for materials, workers, licensing, and other home-related expenses. Interest rates are determined by the credit score of the borrower. Whether you’re looking to finance a new roof or simply want to update your kitchen, home improvement loans are a great option.
4. Update Your Flooring
If your home has pretty outdated or damaged flooring, it’s time to upgrade. New floors can make a world of difference in the look and feel of your home, and they’ll also increase its value. When choosing new floors, be sure to select materials that are durable and easy to maintain. Hardwood floors are always popular, but tile, laminate, and luxury vinyl are also great options.
Nice-looking and well-maintained floors will give your home an instant facelift and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
5. Renovate Your Kitchen
A kitchen renovation is one of the most effective ways to increase your home value. And while a complete gut job may be out of your budget, even minor updates can make a big difference. Replacing old appliances, painting the cabinets, and installing new countertops are quick and easy ways to give your kitchen a fresh look – and add serious value to your home.
Kitchen renovations are one of the best investments you can make in your home, so if you wish to sell in the near future, be sure to give your kitchen some love.
6. Update Your Bathrooms
Like kitchens, good bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in your home when it comes to resale value. And while a complete renovation may not be possible, there are still many ways to update and improve your bathroom on a budget. Replacing old fixtures, painting the walls, and installing new tile are all great ways to give your bathroom a fresh look – and increase your home value.
7. Add More Living Space
If your home feels cramped and cluttered, it’s time to add more living space. And while you may not be able to add an entire room, there are still many ways to create additional living space. Finishing your basement or attic is a great way to add extra square footage – and value – to your home. And if you have an unused garage, consider converting it into a bedroom, office, or playroom.
8. Make Outdoor Improvements
The outdoors is probably just as important as the indoors when it comes to your home’s value. By making simple improvements to your yard and landscaping, you can make your home more attractive and appealing – and increase its value in the process. Some great outdoor upgrades include planting new trees and flowers, installing a new patio or deck, and building a fence or shed.
Making even small improvements to your home’s exterior can have a big impact on its curb appeal – and its value.
9. Get a Home Warranty
A proper home warranty is an insurance policy that covers the repair or replacement of your home’s major systems and appliances. And while it may not technically add value to your home, it will make it more appealing to potential buyers – and give you peace of mind knowing that your home is protected.
If you’re planning to try to sell your home in the near future, be sure to get a home warranty. It’s a really small investment that can pay off big time when it comes time to sell.
10. Hire a Professional Home Inspector
Before you put your home on the market, it’s important to have a professional home inspector take a look at your property. A home inspection will identify any problems or issues that need to be addressed – and it will allow you to make any necessary repairs or updates before putting your home on the market.
Home inspections are a vital part of the selling process, so be sure to hire a reputable and experienced inspector.
Selling your home is a big decision – and it’s not one that should be taken lightly. But if you’re ready to take the plunge, these tips will help you get the most value for your property. By making a few simple upgrades, you can increase your home’s value – and make it more appealing to potential buyers. So if you’re considering selling, now is the time to start preparing your home for the market.